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Tim Roth Set to Play George Wallace in Civil Rights Drama 'Selma'

After once being in the hands of Precious and The Butler director Lee Daniels, the civil rights drama Selma is now being directed by Ava DuVernay, who recently helmed an episode of "Scandal," from a screenplay that she wrote herself. The cast features David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King Jr. and Tom Wilkinson as President Lyndon Johnson in the story following the civil rights movement in the titular Alabama city in 1965, leading to the iconic march against segregation. Now Deadline reports the face of support for segregation, Alabama governor George Wallace, is set to be played by The Incredible Hulk star Tim Roth.

Wallace vowed to stop the march in Selma, giving his state troopers orders to beat the first wave of protesters. But that only created national outrage, sparking new protesters to show up from all over the country. Though his actions were largely negative, if he hadn't been so extreme in his opposition, the rest of the country might have taken even longer to end segregation in the United States. That's not to say he deserves any credit for the rise of civil rights, but you always need a bad guy in order to triumph. Roth is versatile enough to play this without being a two-dimensional portrayal of Wallace, so this is great casting. But can DuVernay turns this story into a possible awards contender? Stay tuned.

Reader Feedback - 4 Comments

1

I really dislike the "Hallmark Special" casting job they are doing on this film.

Why? on Jun 4, 2014

2

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SamRutherwoodtod on Jun 4, 2014

3

I really fail to see how anyone who has directed an episode of Scandel, which is the lowest of low brow trash to come down the pike in a while...maybe since Grey's Anatomy...would have the sensibilities and integrity required to make an honest and decent film around this subject. I mean really...Scandel?

Bo on Jun 4, 2014

4

That is some hit in terms of prestige. I know it may not matter, but this change does not give me hope.